THE changing face of Horley is beginning to take shape with a three-year plan to improve the town centre plus large-scale housing developments set for the outskirts.

Following extensive public consultation, improvements to the town will be implemented on a phased basis, including measures to calm traffic and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

The first projects to be completed include a new crossing in Consort Way near the junction with Victoria Road, a pedestrian shelter outside Horley Library, and improved signage to promote the town’s identity - the latter being identified by local people as a long-term problem.

Resident Alf Lonsdale said: “They’ve been talking about improving the town centre for years, it’s about time they did something.

“It needs better access to the town. They should never have made the High Street one-way – how can you expect people to come and shop when you can’t get near?”

Liz Donoghue, who lives and works in Horley, said: “Hopefully the improvements will bring more people into the town.

“It would be nice if the High Street was pedestrianised, and we need more shops - less charity shops and more decent shops.”

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council has allocated £1m funding from the government’s New Growth Points programme towards the improvements, which will also include more pedestrian crossings, traffic calming in residential roads, new street furniture and additional cycle parking.

Councillor Daniel Poulter, executive member for regeneration and transport, said: “These are exciting times for Horley, these improvements will make it a more exciting, vibrant place and will go a long way to supporting economic regeneration in the town and attracting new businesses in the future.”

"Very popular"

The council hopes the redevelopment will attract new visitors and increase trade in Horley, and two major housing developments on the outskirts of the town are set to bring new life to the area.

About 100 three, four and five-bedroom houses are nearing completion at The Acres in Langshott as part of a £163m development, with a total of 600 homes set to be built over the next three years.

Three show homes are already available for viewings on the 129-acre site, demonstrating the range available, from semi-detatched three-bedroom houses to large five-bedroom detatched properties.